UK Visa Application – how to apply and where in South Africa
The introduction of the British visa has quickly become a major issue for South Africans travelling to the UK, where previously we enjoyed a freedom of travel, being allowed in and out as we wished for a stay of up to 6 months. The new changes made sure that South Africans now need to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any stay, and in most cases, even we’ll even need a visa to transit London on the way to other countries. Here are some basic questions and answers with some guidelines on how it all works and how you can apply.
Do I need a transit visa to go via Britain?
The general rule is that anyone transiting a UK airport (even if you don’t leave the airport) will require a visa if they travel on a South African passport. There are a handful of exceptions, some of them are not of much use for us, eg if your final destination is Australia or New Zealand, but who in their right mind would be travelling to Australia from South Africa via London? Others are of a lot more help to us: if you hold a visa for the USA or Canada and you’re not leaving the transit area of the airport in London and are continuing on within 24 hours to that destination, you don’t need a transit visa for Britain.
Which agency should I use for a UK visa application?
The answer is simple for that question, you can only use one agency. The British High Commission has appointed the Visa Forwarding Service (or VFS for short) to process the applications. No other agency may process visas for the United Kingdom at all, so watch out for fraudsters who will tell you they can help! Be aware too that you will need to apply in person at your local VFS office as biometric data needs to be taken (fingerprints, a digital photograph, retinal scan) when you apply.
How much does the UK visa application cost?
The cost varies for the type of visa you’re applying for, it also varies according the the exchange rate. The regular 6 month single or multiple entry visa will currently cost you around R805 for business and leisure travellers alike. There are other visas for those who don’t wish to apply every six month if they travel regularly, eg the 2 years, 5 years and 10 years validity visas, costing R2645, R4830 & R7015 respectively.
How long does the UK visa take to process?
The British Visa takes between 5 and 10 working days to process, VFS do warn that during busy times, the length of wait could be longer. So, for Christmas and the British summer months, maybe apply a little longer in advance. We suggest applying between 1 and 2 months before to ensure your application proceeds smoothly with all the correct documents and you get it back in time for your trip.
What documents does the UK require for visa applications?
VFS provides a comprehensive check-list of requirements, which includes: a valid passport, completed & signed online application form, proof you’ve paid for the visa in advance and a passport sized photograph. If you’ve got any additional supporting documents, ensure you submit photo-copies as well as originals with your application – the High Commission may want to keep hold of the photo copies for their records, they won’t make copies themselves, so to ensure you get your documents back, pop in the copies.
What are the steps I can expect to take to apply for the UK visa?
- Apply online to make an appointment
- Print out and complete the forms
- Pay the fee either into the bank account provided or by credit card
- Submit your application with all supporting documents in person at your local VFS office at the date & time of your appointment
- Track your application’s status online
- Return to collect documents when status shows approved (you can pay extra to to have VFS sms you)
The above information is subject to change without notice, it was correct at time of publishing, we cannot vouch for it’s continued accuracy. It is imperative that you get up to date and accurate information as well as make the application via the VFS website when planning your trip.
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I would like to apply for a visitors visa to U.K
Great! visit http://www.vfs-uk-za.com
If I live in the East Rand, must I apply for my UK visa in Johannesburg or can I apply in Pretoria ?
Hi Mariet, as far as I am aware you would need to apply at the Joburg office. Though they don’t specify if you have to apply at one or the other depending on where you live, so it seems like you can choose.
Hi. I’ve been in UK during 2006-2007. but then there was that recession and they took away the working holiday visa’s. Is it still possible to apply for any visa’s so us South Africans can go to the UK to work and travel? And for how long can we go now?
Hi, My father is coming over to visit us later this year and I am helping him apply for his visa. He will be applying for a family visitors visa which means I will need to write a letter confirming we will be putting him up. I have searched the VFS site for information on how much money he will need to have available per day and also what the letter needs to say, but have not found the info I need. Do you know the answer to that?
Thanks
Hi Paul,
check this link for more info: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/general/documents/#
On the right side of that page is a link to the list of supporting documents needed. They’re not as concerned about foreign currency or sufficient funds any more, but they want to see bank statements and employment history etc now.
If you’re inviting him to stay with you, this letter will need to state this with your address. I would suggest sending a copy of your passport/residence permit and possibly a copy of a utility bill showing that your address is legitimate to support the letter.
Hi Werner,
as far as I am aware the only visas which remain similar to the old working holiday visas are the ancestral visas. This is the visa you can apply for if you parent or grandparent is a UK citizen. Other than that you need to apply for a regular work visa which involves a long chain of things like getting a job offer in the UK, having the relevant experience/qualification and the company you are applying to work at proving that there is no one in the EU who can do the job you can.
For now, most people have only the visitor’s non-working visa available to them.